PURPOSE

This website hosts an interactive repository of mutations and other allelic variations of the genes involved in the DNA repair disorders, Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne Syndrome (CS), Trichothiodystrophy (TTD), and other UV-sensitivity disorders.

RESOURCES

Educational module of the molecular biology of Nucleotide Excision Repair
Introduction to the DNA Repair disorders (XP, CS, TTD, UVs)
Background on each of the XP genes
A searchable database of mutations and sequence variations for the XP genes
Contact point for the submission of new mutation data
Discussion Forums and a Guest Book
Web Links to Additional Resources

PUBLICATION

This website supports the publication:

James E. Cleaver, Larry H. Thompson, Audrey S. Richardson, and J. Christopher States. A Summary of Mutations in the UV-Sensitive Disorders: Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Cockayne Syndrome, and Trichothiodystrophy.Human Mutation 14:9-22 (1999) [link to article]

ABSTRACT. The human diseases xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, and trichothiodystrophy are caused by mutations in a set of interacting gene products, which carry out the process of nucleotide excision repair. The genes have now been cloned and many mutations in the genes identified. The relationships between the distribution of mutations in the genes and the clinical presentations can be used for understanding the functions and the modes of interaction among the gene products. This website represents currently known mutations that can be used as the basis for future studies of the structure, function, and biochemical properties of the proteins involved in this set of complex disorders, and may allow determination of the critical sites for mutations leading to different clinical manifestations. The summary indicates where more data are needed for some complementation groups that have few reported mutations, and for the groups for which the gene(s) are not yet cloned. These include trichothiodystrophy group A (TTDA), and ultraviolet sensitive syndrome (UVs) groups. We also recommend that the XP-group E should be defined explicitly through molecular terms, because assignment by complementation in culture has been difficult. XP-E by this definition contains only those cell lines and patients that have mutations in the small subunit, DDB2, of a damage-specific DNA binding protein.

DISCLAIMER
This website is designed for information and research purposes. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that original publications also be consulted for any further research. No expressed or implied warranty is assured. Any errors should be directed to the author as indicated in the Contact Us page. Additional information on any cell lines mentioned in this website, and any new examples, are welcomed and should also be directed to the authors.